When we hear the phrase “first responders,” of whom do we first think?
Police, paramedics, firefighters, to be sure, come to mind.
These persons highlight many a news cast.
However, the first responders are the parents “in place” who cook, clean, cuddle, and care for their kids.
In the prayer over the parents in the Roman Catholic rite of infant Baptism, the celebrant prays, to the effect “May these be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith, may they be the best of teachers, by what they say and do.”
Thus, children learn first from parents, by observation of parents’ actions and then by their words.
And let not just teach our kids, solicit their opinions – and respect them.
Home is where children learn to practice expressing how they feel; and if we’ve laid the right foundation, we have nothing to worry about and worry may fill the mind and heart of many.
Later in life, when they chose to make good decisions, these will be based on good values, formed over the years, first starting at home!
If we don’t, they won’t learn to think for themselves or face life with confidence.
Moses told the Israelites: ‘Think constantly about these commandments…teach them to your children…talk about them when you are at home…out for a walk…at bedtime and the first thing in the morning’ (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
